@Balaam_ I keep my Game Pass subscription going constantly as a way to try before I buy. I've bought so many games after trying them first on Game Pass. Many of them I'd never heard of or would never have considered buying without playing first.
It's definitely reassuring to hear there will be more hardware. I have all 3 consoles and the Xbox UI, functionality and controllers are my favourites by far.
I completely agree that it was a terrible decision. I really don't like the whole "have a hit or you're dead" ethos that some studios have to live by. Especially when they're owned by an enormous platform holder.
I actually really like Redfall and would have loved to have seen what it could have been.
@LogicStrikesAgain Yes I do think that developers have become lazy and haven't even slightly pushed the PS5. And Sony's bad CPU is still the main problem with the PS5 Pro.
@LogicStrikesAgain Exactly my point. They want the easy route. No PS5 owner asked for it. Developers get lazy and rather than trying to push hardware, they ask for more hardware.
The most impressive PS3 games came at the end of that console's lifecycle. Because developers worked hard.
@LogicStrikesAgain I wasn't arguing FOR more choice or options. I was pointing out that more choice and options for the sake of it is completely unnecessary. Which was obvious. So you're either playing dumb or just didn't get it.
The PS5 Pro is not good value for money. Stop trying to say that you couldn't build a PC for that money because you're comparing an individual producing a piece of hardware to a multi billion dollar company producing a piece of hardware.
Sony could easily make something far better for the price they're charging. They haven't. They've churned out a laughable "upgrade".
@Secryt You keep talking about more options and choice being better. By that rationale, a PS5 Lite would be a great thing to bring to market. Less power, worse build quality but far cheaper. That's another option right? Better for everyone!
Or a PS5 Green. One that is 90% biodegradable but costs £1500. That's another option that gives planet caring people more choice so it must be a good idea.
Or racist cover plates that cost £299. That's another option so it must be a good idea. More choice for racist people right?
Sony are behaving in exactly the same way they did when the PS3 launched. They felt untouchable so thought they could print the word PlayStation on anything, charge whatever they want and everyone should lap it up and be grateful.
Tiny mid-gen upgrades that are overpriced shouldn't be applauded.
@Shalooda You and your 'brethren' are welcome to your overpriced, underpowered Emperor's New Clothes. I'll happily stick with my base PS5 (which hasn't even been pushed yet) and wait for PS6.
@Secryt The PC and console markets are very different and you know it. Stop trying to compare apples and oranges to stand up for Sony's shilling.
Forget the PC comparison because it's irrelevant. The 'upgrade' Sony are offering is not even slightly worth the money they are asking over the base PS5.
But I'm happy for you to explain why it is worth buying a PS5 Pro. Without mentioning PCs.
And I also stand by my point of Sony milking customers dry. A poor slate of first party games, remaster after remaster that nobody wanted and expensive hardware across the board.
It's an absolutely pointless, overpriced waste of everyone's time and money. The 'improvements' being made are so negligible that I'm genuinely surprised that Sony have bothered. But this gen, they have proven that they're quite happy to fleece their loyal fans at every opportunity and pump out expensive, unnecessary hardware.
Absolutely loved the first game and can't wait for any potential sequel. I thought Microsoft would have given the team more of a chance but sales numbers on PS5 must have been very low for them to act so quickly after that launch.
I think that the next generation of consoles will be the last generation of consoles. There will never be a PS7. The next generation of Xbox will be massively AI powered and Windows based. It will be able to access Steam, Epic and PlayStation stores. Once we have the idea a set top PC under our TVs, all manufacturers like Asus will build them.
I mentioned on Push Square that I think bespoke hardware will be irrelevant after PS6 and the next Xbox. However, I think that Microsoft are in a strong position to win the next gen if they release a truly Windows based Xbox. Imagine a system that can play Steam, Xbox, Epic and PlayStation games VS PS6 tied solely to the PS Store.
After that I don't think either Sony or Microsoft will bother with actually manufacturing consoles at all. Plug and play PCs sat under a TV will be the norm.
I worked in games retail in the UK when the Xbox 360 launched and the difference in marketing is night and day. Microsoft pushed that console at every opportunity and created major buzz around every first party launch. With Series X|S there is virtually nothing done at all.
@JayJ That's a fair point. I don't see why Microsoft would have just let the IP go though. Giving away a critically acclaimed new game series like Hi-Fi Rush makes no sense to me.
I genuinely cannot remember the last time I saw an Xbox advert here in the UK. It's almost as if Microsoft have held back on marketing consoles so they can say to the world "See, we're right not to focus on consoles."
The position of Xbox in the industry means they have to market their stuff to sell it. It's not Coca-Cola or Apple FFS!
I can see this being a useful way of getting people into the Xbox ecosystem. If someone buys a Firestick or TV and sees this, they would be more inclined to buy a controller and try Game Pass than buy a console.
The average gamer wouldn't notice things like latency in the same way that enthusiasts would. But they may get hooked on a certain game/series or just fall in love with Xbox want more and buy a console.
I still strongly believe that Xbox will release (at least) another generation of hardware that will be part of a multi-pronged strategy including a handheld, PC and Cloud on anything with a screen and WiFi.
Whilst I genuinely think that Xbox 6 is the right name for the next system, I've been inspired to think of some alternatives.
Xbox-ish Xbox One 2 Xbox U Xbox 3000 Xbox+ Martin Phillips Xbox 2026 Xbox Black Xbox White Xbox Infinity Xbox Game Pass Box Xbox CoD Machine Xbox Etc. Xbox Now Xbox 360 2 Xbox Duke Xbox XOXOXO Xbox Windows 12 Sega Dreamcast 2 Xbox Xtreme XboXboXboX
@Jenkinss Peter Moore was a marketing genius. The fact that he was able to steer the ship through the RROD and there still be a brand ready for the next gen was amazing.
@ChopstickPhilly They could get away with it by including the Series S.
Xbox
Xbox 360
Xbox One
Xbox Series S
Xbox Series X
Or the rumoured new handheld.
The main reason they didn't go with "Xbox 2" back in 2005 is because they would have seemed to have been a gen behind the PlayStation 3. In fact, the original name they were going to release with was Xenon.
Comments 388
Re: Random: Xbox 360 Users Say Dashboard Has Been 'Destroyed', But It's Not As Bad As It Seems
@Markatron84 This really made me laugh because I was thinking the exact same thing! 🤣
Re: Random: Xbox 360 Users Say Dashboard Has Been 'Destroyed', But It's Not As Bad As It Seems
People really need to find better things to be upset about. The dashboard of a 19 year old console shouldn't be an issue.
Re: Seven Delisted Xbox Games Receive Surprise PC Updates From Activision
@fatpunkslim You can still play the disc version on Series X. It's not the best game but I had fun with it.
Re: Poll: What Do You Think Of The Spyro Reignited Trilogy On Xbox Game Pass?
@Balaam_ I keep my Game Pass subscription going constantly as a way to try before I buy. I've bought so many games after trying them first on Game Pass. Many of them I'd never heard of or would never have considered buying without playing first.
Re: Phil Spencer Explains Why 'This Is An Xbox' Will Be Beneficial To Console Owners
It's definitely reassuring to hear there will be more hardware. I have all 3 consoles and the Xbox UI, functionality and controllers are my favourites by far.
Re: Microsoft Is Now Advertising Pretty Much Every Gaming Device As An Xbox
Microsoft have always been looking at the bigger picture.
Bespoke hardware will be irrelevant in a few years time.
The next gen will be the last hardware from both Sony and Microsoft. Then it's down to the content to fight for people's money.
Re: Microsoft Is Now Advertising Pretty Much Every Gaming Device As An Xbox
It's amazing to actually see marketing of any kind for Xbox tbf.
Re: Despite The ActiBlizz Deal, Xbox Remains 'In The Market' For New Dev Teams
I read an article a few weeks after Tango was closed that suggested too many key people left and that's why Microsoft didn't want them anymore.
I know that in other industries, if key talent leave it can completely shift the entire business.
Re: No Man's Sky Developer Explains Why The Xbox One X Is Still 'Very Capable' In 2024
I adore my One X and there are a few things that the Series S does worse.
Re: Review: Death Stranding Director's Cut - Kojima's Masterpiece Is Finally Delivered (In Perfect Condition) To Xbox Consoles
Great for those who like this game but I found it to be incredibly boring.
Re: Arkane Founder Says Xbox Shutting Austin Studio Was 'Stupid' And 'Not A Good Decision'
I completely agree that it was a terrible decision. I really don't like the whole "have a hit or you're dead" ethos that some studios have to live by. Especially when they're owned by an enormous platform holder.
I actually really like Redfall and would have loved to have seen what it could have been.
Re: Microsoft's Xbox Gets Another Revenue Boost From Activision
It would still be nice if they even slightly tried to market their consoles every now and then.
Re: Random: Xbox's New Robot White Series X Removes One Small Detail
Green on white would have looked great.
Re: Opinion: As The Dust Settles On PS5 Pro, I'm Still Glad Xbox Didn't Bother
Removed
Re: Opinion: As The Dust Settles On PS5 Pro, I'm Still Glad Xbox Didn't Bother
@LogicStrikesAgain Yes I do think that developers have become lazy and haven't even slightly pushed the PS5. And Sony's bad CPU is still the main problem with the PS5 Pro.
Re: Opinion: As The Dust Settles On PS5 Pro, I'm Still Glad Xbox Didn't Bother
@Shalooda What amazing exclusive games are you waiting for next year?
Also, try learning to spell.
Re: Opinion: As The Dust Settles On PS5 Pro, I'm Still Glad Xbox Didn't Bother
@LogicStrikesAgain Exactly my point. They want the easy route. No PS5 owner asked for it. Developers get lazy and rather than trying to push hardware, they ask for more hardware.
The most impressive PS3 games came at the end of that console's lifecycle. Because developers worked hard.
Re: Opinion: As The Dust Settles On PS5 Pro, I'm Still Glad Xbox Didn't Bother
@LogicStrikesAgain Developers should be pushing hardware not hardware manufacturers pushing consumers to buy more hardware.
Re: Opinion: As The Dust Settles On PS5 Pro, I'm Still Glad Xbox Didn't Bother
@LogicStrikesAgain I wasn't arguing FOR more choice or options. I was pointing out that more choice and options for the sake of it is completely unnecessary. Which was obvious. So you're either playing dumb or just didn't get it.
The PS5 Pro is not good value for money. Stop trying to say that you couldn't build a PC for that money because you're comparing an individual producing a piece of hardware to a multi billion dollar company producing a piece of hardware.
Sony could easily make something far better for the price they're charging. They haven't. They've churned out a laughable "upgrade".
Re: Opinion: As The Dust Settles On PS5 Pro, I'm Still Glad Xbox Didn't Bother
@Shalooda "All those sweet PS exclusives" 🤣🤣🤣
Re: Opinion: As The Dust Settles On PS5 Pro, I'm Still Glad Xbox Didn't Bother
@Secryt You keep talking about more options and choice being better. By that rationale, a PS5 Lite would be a great thing to bring to market. Less power, worse build quality but far cheaper. That's another option right? Better for everyone!
Or a PS5 Green. One that is 90% biodegradable but costs £1500. That's another option that gives planet caring people more choice so it must be a good idea.
Or racist cover plates that cost £299. That's another option so it must be a good idea. More choice for racist people right?
Sony are behaving in exactly the same way they did when the PS3 launched. They felt untouchable so thought they could print the word PlayStation on anything, charge whatever they want and everyone should lap it up and be grateful.
Tiny mid-gen upgrades that are overpriced shouldn't be applauded.
Re: Opinion: As The Dust Settles On PS5 Pro, I'm Still Glad Xbox Didn't Bother
@Secryt You've basically repeated your previous comment without explaining to me why it's worth buying a PS5 Pro.
Re: Opinion: As The Dust Settles On PS5 Pro, I'm Still Glad Xbox Didn't Bother
@Shalooda You and your 'brethren' are welcome to your overpriced, underpowered Emperor's New Clothes. I'll happily stick with my base PS5 (which hasn't even been pushed yet) and wait for PS6.
Re: Opinion: As The Dust Settles On PS5 Pro, I'm Still Glad Xbox Didn't Bother
@Secryt The PC and console markets are very different and you know it. Stop trying to compare apples and oranges to stand up for Sony's shilling.
Forget the PC comparison because it's irrelevant. The 'upgrade' Sony are offering is not even slightly worth the money they are asking over the base PS5.
But I'm happy for you to explain why it is worth buying a PS5 Pro. Without mentioning PCs.
And I also stand by my point of Sony milking customers dry. A poor slate of first party games, remaster after remaster that nobody wanted and expensive hardware across the board.
Re: Opinion: As The Dust Settles On PS5 Pro, I'm Still Glad Xbox Didn't Bother
It's an absolutely pointless, overpriced waste of everyone's time and money. The 'improvements' being made are so negligible that I'm genuinely surprised that Sony have bothered. But this gen, they have proven that they're quite happy to fleece their loyal fans at every opportunity and pump out expensive, unnecessary hardware.
Re: Tango Gameworks' New Owner Doesn't Even Expect Hi-Fi RUSH 2 To Make Money
Absolutely loved the first game and can't wait for any potential sequel. I thought Microsoft would have given the team more of a chance but sales numbers on PS5 must have been very low for them to act so quickly after that launch.
Re: Fable Creator Explains How His New Game Is Set In The Same World
@Secryt I completely agree. The amount of times this guy has massively underdelivered is astonishing. Why do people keep listening???
Re: Xbox's Sea Of Thieves Has Reportedly Sold Over One Million Copies On PS5
I think that the next generation of consoles will be the last generation of consoles. There will never be a PS7. The next generation of Xbox will be massively AI powered and Windows based. It will be able to access Steam, Epic and PlayStation stores. Once we have the idea a set top PC under our TVs, all manufacturers like Asus will build them.
Re: Reaction: Indiana Jones And The Great Circle's PS5 Announcement Marks A Bold Step For Xbox
I mentioned on Push Square that I think bespoke hardware will be irrelevant after PS6 and the next Xbox. However, I think that Microsoft are in a strong position to win the next gen if they release a truly Windows based Xbox. Imagine a system that can play Steam, Xbox, Epic and PlayStation games VS PS6 tied solely to the PS Store.
After that I don't think either Sony or Microsoft will bother with actually manufacturing consoles at all. Plug and play PCs sat under a TV will be the norm.
Re: Xbox Series X|S Sales 'Holding Close' To Xbox 360 In The US, Says Analyst
I worked in games retail in the UK when the Xbox 360 launched and the difference in marketing is night and day. Microsoft pushed that console at every opportunity and created major buzz around every first party launch. With Series X|S there is virtually nothing done at all.
Re: Xbox's Hi-Fi RUSH Studio Tango Gameworks Revived, Acquired By PUBG Publisher
@JayJ That's a fair point. I don't see why Microsoft would have just let the IP go though. Giving away a critically acclaimed new game series like Hi-Fi Rush makes no sense to me.
Re: Xbox's Hi-Fi Rush Studio Tango Gameworks Revived, Acquired By PUBG Publisher
Hi-Fi Rush is one of my favourite games ever. Ghostwire Tokyo was a really enjoyable game and the Evil Within series were amazing (terrifying) games.
I'm still of the opinion that Xbox shuttering Tango Gameworks was one of the stupidest decisions I've ever seen them make.
Re: Microsoft Hiring Engineers To 'Define The Future Of Graphics' On Xbox
@Meehanuk_1987 Give Deathloop a go.
Re: Xbox Console Sales Struggling As Hardware Revenue Nosedives At Microsoft
I genuinely cannot remember the last time I saw an Xbox advert here in the UK. It's almost as if Microsoft have held back on marketing consoles so they can say to the world "See, we're right not to focus on consoles."
The position of Xbox in the industry means they have to market their stuff to sell it. It's not Coca-Cola or Apple FFS!
Re: Samsung Now Selling 'Select' TVs Bundled With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
I can see this being a useful way of getting people into the Xbox ecosystem. If someone buys a Firestick or TV and sees this, they would be more inclined to buy a controller and try Game Pass than buy a console.
The average gamer wouldn't notice things like latency in the same way that enthusiasts would. But they may get hooked on a certain game/series or just fall in love with Xbox want more and buy a console.
I still strongly believe that Xbox will release (at least) another generation of hardware that will be part of a multi-pronged strategy including a handheld, PC and Cloud on anything with a screen and WiFi.
Re: Bethesda Trademarks 'Starborn', Which Could Be The Second Expansion For Starfield
@shoeses I remember Fallout getting absolutely destroyed when that launched too.
Hopefully Starfield can do enough to win you over in the future.
Re: Bethesda Trademarks 'Starborn', Which Could Be The Second Expansion For Starfield
@CallMeDuraSouka So if I enjoyed it I should just shut up and play it???
Whereas people who didn't like it get to talk about it all they want.
It was review bombed before and after it launched by people who had never played it.
Fair enough if you don't like it but the way some people act, you'd think it was on par with the recent Gollum or King Kong games.
Re: Bethesda Trademarks 'Starborn', Which Could Be The Second Expansion For Starfield
I still don't understand the hate that Starfield gets. I adore it.
I assume it's mainly from people who haven't played it or are jealous that they can't play it.
Re: Last Orders! What Are You Getting Before The Xbox 360 Store Closes?
I'm going to boot up my 360 and check to see if there's anything I've missed. Hopefully it still works!
Re: Four Years Later, People Are Still Getting Confused By Xbox's 'Horrible' Console Names
Whilst I genuinely think that Xbox 6 is the right name for the next system, I've been inspired to think of some alternatives.
Xbox-ish
Xbox One 2
Xbox U
Xbox 3000
Xbox+
Martin Phillips
Xbox 2026
Xbox Black
Xbox White
Xbox Infinity
Xbox Game Pass Box
Xbox CoD Machine
Xbox Etc.
Xbox Now
Xbox 360 2
Xbox Duke
Xbox XOXOXO
Xbox Windows 12
Sega Dreamcast 2
Xbox Xtreme
XboXboXboX
Some of these are brilliant.
Re: Four Years Later, People Are Still Getting Confused By Xbox's 'Horrible' Console Names
@Jenkinss Peter Moore was a marketing genius. The fact that he was able to steer the ship through the RROD and there still be a brand ready for the next gen was amazing.
Re: Four Years Later, People Are Still Getting Confused By Xbox's 'Horrible' Console Names
@EVIL-C Stranger things have happened than Xbox 6. The more you say it the better it sounds.
Re: Four Years Later, People Are Still Getting Confused By Xbox's 'Horrible' Console Names
@ChopstickPhilly They could get away with it by including the Series S.
Xbox
Xbox 360
Xbox One
Xbox Series S
Xbox Series X
Or the rumoured new handheld.
The main reason they didn't go with "Xbox 2" back in 2005 is because they would have seemed to have been a gen behind the PlayStation 3. In fact, the original name they were going to release with was Xenon.
Re: Four Years Later, People Are Still Getting Confused By Xbox's 'Horrible' Console Names
The next console should be Xbox 6. Has a nice ring to it and makes it sound at the same level as the inevitable PS6.
Re: Microsoft Provides More Detail On Its New Xbox Game Pass Standard Tier
Why confuse things??? Who gets paid to make these decisions???
Re: 'Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster' Launches This September For Xbox Series X|S
Does anyone know if this is getting a physical release on Xbox?
I know it is on PS5.
Re: Xbox Is Bringing Cloud Gaming To The Amazon Fire TV Stick
Does anyone know if this will work with the Fire TV Cube?
Re: Xbox's Avowed Is Fully Playable In Third-Person, Confirms Obsidian
This news has me way more excited for the game. Hack and slash type gameplay works better in third person in my opinion.
Re: Xbox Begins Refunding Redfall DLC Owners Following Arkane Austin Closure
I still like the game. Sad to see it end and never know what could have been.
Re: 'A Quiet Place' Video Game Adaptation Coming To Xbox In 2024
Great films and a fantastic universe for a game to be set.